The primary goal of this research was to extend our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in online and offline early literacy software programs designed for young learners. A taxonomy of reading skills was used to contrast online software with offline closed system (compact disc) based programs with respect to number of skills…

Microcomputer based laboratory activities have been suggested to have a number of benefits in science education. However, their implementation produces mixed results, and student perception data have in the past yielded responses that are negative regarding the technology. This work presents a case study of three first year undergraduate chemistry…

This paper explores the Web 2.0 ethos with respect to the application of pedagogy within 3D online virtual environments. 3D worlds can create a synthetic experience capturing the essence of "being" in a particular world or context. The AliveX3D platform adopts the Web 2.0 ethos and applies it to online 3D virtual environment forming a Web…

It is often claimed that techniques such as "multimedia" and the use of blended learning environments can be used to achieve powerful interactive pedagogies. Indeed, the advent of easy-to-use multimedia technologies has meant that a plethora of digital learning products is now becoming available. Despite the relative ease-of-use of these new…

Authoring tools have evolved over the last decade based on technological and pedagogical innovations, from authoring bounded, program-controlled learning systems such as Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) to authoring unbounded, learner-centered environments such as Web-Based Instruction (WBI). This paper discusses the current state of authoring…

This paper proposes an automated, third party World Wide Web (WWW)-based evaluation service (i.e., an online questionnaire) that focuses on usability issues of WWW-based courseware and can be used by any WWW course instructor/student. Requirements related to the usability of educational systems are summarized, including the learning environment,…

This paper discusses comparisons of student comments and analysis of comments from a face-to-face course with Web-enhancements, a video-based, hybrid course with Web-enhancements and a Web-based course. In order to provide student problem-solving participants both individual and personal experiences (and attitudes) concerning the use of course…

This report summarizes the educational technology research conducted from 1990 through 1994. It is based on 133 research reviews and reports on original research projects from both published and unpublished sources. This research varied in methodology: some studies used a technique for synthesizing and analyzing data from many different studies;…

Examines relationships between critical thinking and writing. Compares a pencil-and-paper and computer-assisted versions of a process/model program to a traditional composition program. Reports experimental groups showed greater argumentative powers. Extends approach to poetry and technical writing. Suggests collaborative learning potential.…

University of Texas (Austin) freshman and senior English literature students and graduate humanities students tested a synchronous local area computer network's applicability for classroom discussion and collaborative exams and essays. Student responses to 50-70 research questions show advantages of computer-assisted classroom discussion (CACD)…

The pros and cons of integrated learning systems (ILS) and stand-alone software for adult literacy instruction were examined in a comparative analysis that focused on their use in adult literacy programs in Canada. The comparison focused on the following variables: achievement gains in reading; changes in students' attitudes toward computers;…

For more than 5 years, Mexico's El Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterey (ITESM) has offered distance education programs in addition to traditional face-to-face programs. ITESM has recently begun migrating to new e-learning platforms (Blackboard and Web Tec) that are more user-friendly and flexible than its previous e-platform…

In fall 1997, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) provided Science and Technology in Society, a university general studies science literacy course, to advanced placement high school students at three local high schools, using a combination of live video presentations and World Wide Web (WWW) courseware. A total of 26 high school students…

This document examines issues and techniques related to assessment of online learning for adult, career, and vocational education. The document begins with an overview of the disadvantages of assessing at a distance and the issue of security in the online environment. The following aspects of continuous assessment are discussed: characteristics…